This Fourth Sunday of Lent is also known as Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday. The readings (for Cycle C) are appropriate for rejoicing. Today we hear the familiar story of the Prodigal Son (and the forgiving Father). We know from the story that as his father forgave him, so too, we are forgiven by our Father in heaven. It is never too late for repentance, to be received back by our loving Father and live in his presence forever.
 
The First Reading reflects that change will happen; this is one of the concerns of the Lenten Season; our personal change of heart. The second reading reflects reconciliation and change, the spirit of Lent. St. Paul tells us today that “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold new things have come.” We are reconciled to God; forgiven in mercy.
 
We are reminded that we must respond, and that we need to ask for forgiveness as did the prodigal. There are so many ways in which to foster the spirit of Lent within us; and as we know, it is never too late to begin. There are many prayer and praise opportunities at St. Aidan; just look at the calendar! There are special liturgies, special devotions and Christian Service work in which to participate. Also, please don’t forget to mark your calendars for Holy Week and all the liturgies of the Paschal Triduum: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord; The Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Adoration (Thursday); The Stations of the Cross and the Good Friday Liturgy, The Great Vigil of Easter (Saturday), and Easter Sunday of The Resurrection of the Lord.
 
We are offered by our Church, and our Catholic faith, for ways to become close to God, to come home to the Father, as did the prodigal in his story. And as ever, in God’s infinite mercy and love, we are always welcomed back home. All we have to do really, is show up.
Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

In the Old Testament reading for this Third Sunday of Lent (Cycle C), we hear God tell Moses (and us!) to remember the name of the Lord through all generations. Today’s Gospel reminds us that we do not know when we may be called back home, that now is the acceptable time to examine our choices and priorities, to repent, to turn to the Lord, and to bear good fruit.  Return to God! Lent is a season of reconciliation: repentance and conversion; Lent is about charity (alms) and prayer. In God’s great kindness and mercy we are continuously offered salvation. What Wondrous Love this is!
 
On Sunday at the RCIA 9:30am Mass we will use the readings from Cycle A. The RCIA will be at the 9:30am Mass (Scrutiny #1); next weekend (Scrutiny #2) and the following weekend (Scrutiny #3). This gives our Community an opportunity to participate in the conversion process for the Elect, and to be part of the prayer of exorcism, in preparation for the Easter Vigil Sacraments. Whichever Mass you attend, you will have the opportunity to pray for them and with them. (You might also read both the Cycle A and Cycle C readings the next three weekends anyway…)
 
The Responsorial Psalm for Cycle A (Psalm 95) is good for any time of the year; and especially appropriate now, too: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” We know that change and conversion is about being open in order to see a different perspective—this is part of the conversion process in Lent or out. This process of conversion is not just for our Elect; it is for all of us. The Cycle C Psalm (which we will stick with today) is: “The Lord is kind and merciful.” This psalm is a great reminder of all God’s gifts and grace—a reminder for us to have an attitude of gratitude in all things.
 
Lent gives us a wonderful opportunity to step back and evaluate our place, and to spend time in prayer and worship. Now may be the acceptable time for us to begin this conversion process—or to continue it. Lent is a time to cultivate the ground of our souls, to be rooted in God’s way, bearing good fruit here and later. We need to tend to the tree of our souls in order to bear that good fruit for the Kingdom—even if it means having to step in a little manure along the way!  Here is another true saying: God works through all things for good.
Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc